20 Free Things to Do in Toronto

Many of Toronto’s most intriguing experiences cost absolutely nothing. Stretch your travel budget further with these 20 amazing freebies.

1. Take a selfie with the TORONTO sign

You really can’t visit Toronto without taking a selfie in front of the TORONTO sign. Located in Nathan Phillips Square, right by Toronto’s city hall, this illuminated, 10-foot-tall sign is a must-visit. Stop by in winter to ice skate, or in the warmer months to chill by the reflecting pool.

2. Spend the day at High Park

Toronto is filled with incredible parks, but many consider High Park to be among the city's best. Located in Bloor West Village, this massive greenspace will keep you busy for hours. 

For a zero-cost excursion, focus on exploring the walking trails, playgrounds, gardens and scenic pond. There’s also a free mini zoo where you can see capybaras, emu and llamas, plus a forested dog park for you and Luna to wander.

3. Learn about Tkaronto’s Indigenous history

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto offers a free tour that uncovers the 6ix’s deep Indigenous cultural roots, with a special focus on the Ishpadinaa area (now known as Spadina Road and Spadina Avenue, which span the Annex and Chinatown neighbourhoods). 

You’ll see the city’s largest collection of Indigenous artwork, be introduced to key phrases in the traditional First Nations languages used in this area, learn about traditional ceremonies, and get an insider's take on the history of major local landmarks. 

While free, donations are strongly recommended to offset costs.

ALSO SEE: 10 Places to Support Indigenous Creators in Toronto

4. Experience local art at The Bentway

Created by local organizers, The Bentway is a year-round attraction where visitors can enjoy art installations, concerts, dance classes, a winter ice skating rink, and a robust calendar of events. 

You’ll find this beautiful community art space tucked beneath the towering Gardiner Expressway, just north of the Waterfront. 

Activities are often free, and the space is open 24/7, so you can visit to check out the current art exhibit at any time.

5. Take photos at St. Lawrence Market

Budding street photographers, this is your sign: head to St. Lawrence Market for iconic Toronto photo ops and tons of inspiration. This mainstay Toronto market has been in operation since 1803, so there’s tons of history here. 

It’s an exciting excursion whether you buy something or not—though you may have trouble resisting the delicious smell of the market’s bakeries, restaurants and food stands!

ALSO SEE: Must-Eats of Toronto’s Historic St. Lawrence Market

6. Hike an urban ravine

Free your mind—for free!—with a nature walk and forest bathing session in one of Toronto’s urban ravines. Your to-do list will fade away as you stroll the trails taking in the fresh air, sun-dappled tree canopy and birdsong. 

7. Window shop in Yorkville

Spending the day shopping in this high-end designer fashion district would end with an eye-watering price tag… but window shopping is free! 

A locally known secret is that Yorkville actually hosts many free events throughout the year, including summer and winter festivals, a Mother’s Day floral show, a Father’s Day exotic car show, live concerts and more.

9. Admire art by Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol and Van Gogh

Discover transformative art at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). With over 120,000 pieces in its collection, this major gallery includes Indigenous and Canadian art, European masterpieces and cutting-edge contemporary work from around the globe. 

While it requires booking ahead online, the monthly First Wednesday Night Free event is a money saver. Bonus: entry is always free for Ontarians under age 25!

10. Check out Gordo the dinosaur

Immerse yourself in natural history, art and culture as you explore the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). With more than 13 million objects in its collection, ROM has all the bases covered. 

Heavy draws include the Age of the Dinosaurs gallery, with its awe-inspiring dino specimens, including a T. rex and an enormous Barosaurus nicknamed Gordo.

Evening entry to most galleries is free on the third Tuesday of every month, although reserving tickets beforehand is a must.

11. Feast your eyes on cherry blossoms in Toronto

While High Park is Toronto’s biggest cherry-blossom hotspot, you can also catch ephemeral sakura blooms at less-crowded Trinity Bellwoods Park, Woodbine Park, and the University of Toronto’s Robarts Library, a work of Brutalist architecture that provides a striking backdrop to hanami (flower gaze).

12. Hop on one of the world’s shortest ferry rides

Jump aboard the Marilyn Bell ferry for cool skyline views and to feel Lake Ontario breezes on Canada’s first zero-emission, lithium-ion electric ferry. The free jaunt between Toronto’s waterfront and the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport lasts just 90 seconds, so it won’t affect your travel itinerary (or budget!).

15. Go on an art crawl

Lace up your sneakers for a self-guided Queen Street West street art tour. This boho neighbourhood is home to a treasure trove of public art, graffiti and murals. Pack your camera or make space on your phone to go wild at Graffiti Alley. 

If you’re a sucker for street art, extend your tour by taking the streetcar to Queen West’s western edge—the neighbourhood of Parkdale—which has plenty more street art to savour, snap and share.

16. Stroll to the Toronto Harbour Lighthouse

Spend the afternoon outdoors walking or wheeling along Tommy Thompson Park’s extensive waterfront trails (including a cool floating bridge), and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible sight at the end: the Toronto Harbour Lighthouse. 

With a gorgeous view of the city and the marvel of the lighthouse itself, you won’t be disappointed by this beacon at the southern tip of the park. 

17. Photograph the Berczy Park dog fountain 

The Berczy Park dog fountain is a whimsical water feature that incorporates 27 dog statues and one cat. It’s one of the neighbourhood’s most beloved landmarks and worth a visit during the warmer months when you can snap the dogs spouting water.

The park offers ample seating, so if you’re willing to spring for lunch, take out from nearby St. Lawrence Market and sit down to an alfresco meal.

18. Spark your imagination with contemporary art

Edgy, immersive and conversation-starting, the Power Plant’s art exhibitions are always worth a gander. This Waterfront gallery focuses exclusively on contemporary work, including painting, photography, sculpture, video installations and mixed media. Admission is always free, as are the gallery’s hands-on Power Kids creative workshops, which take place throughout the year.